School Counselor - Xavier High School

Xavier Catholic Schools is hiring a School Counselor for Xavier High School! This is a full time, contracted position for 2026-27.

FAITH AND MISSION COMMITTMENT: Xavier Catholic Schools forms disciples unafraid to follow Jesus Christ. As part of this Christ-centered educational system, all faculty and staff help build and support a professional culture rooted in Catholic values across all Xavier Schools. Faculty and Staff are expected to model and promote the mission of forming disciples unafraid to follow Jesus Christ, and fosters a Christ-centered, respectful, and ethical work environment that upholds Catholic identity through every aspect of their leadership and decision making.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:  To plan, organize and implement an appropriate guidance program in a secondary learning environment that guides and encourages students to attain an optimum level of personal and social development.

SPECIFIC JOB SKILLS, EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in School Counseling
• Certification with Iowa Board of Educational Examiners as a school counselor or mental health professional
• Comprehensive knowledge and proven success implementing social/emotional programs for children based on developmentally appropriate practices
• Proficient with computer – Internet, Google, and Microsoft Office
• Able to be discreet and maintain confidentiality

• Strong organizational skills
• Self-motivated
• Exceptional interpersonal and presentation skills
• Professional oral and written communication skills
• Flexible, adaptive, and cooperative
• Enthusiastic supporter of Catholic faith and schools
• Flexibility with changing priorities and processes
• Able to remain calm under pressure while handling common inquiries, complaints, or identifying emergent situations
• Able to work well either alone or as part of a team
• Practicing Catholic preferred

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Articulate the school’s mission to stakeholders and solicit support in realizing the mission
• Help students attain an optimum level of personal and social adjustment
• Provide individual counseling and group guidance to help students cope effectively with personal, social, academic, career, and family concerns
• Work through the problem-solving process to help identify students with special needs and make appropriate recommendations and referrals 
• Serve as Section 504 Coordinator 
• Provide leadership in MTSS, especially in the area of social/emotional health
• Represent the school in a professional, courteous and positive manner at all times
• Foster a professional working environment with an emphasis on confidentiality and customer service
• Maintain open, consistent and effective communication with parents, providing parent education training, assistance and support as needed
• Accept and respect differences in children, parents and coworkers
• Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and supporting agencies concerning the needs and abilities of students
• Assist with enrollment and kindergarten round-up 
• Aid students in course and subject selection
• Assist students in evaluating their aptitudes and abilities through the interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other pertinent data, and work with students in evolving education and occupation plans in terms of such evaluation
• Schedule opportunities for students to visit with resource persons about academic and career choices
• Guide students in their participation in school and community activities
• Print transcripts
• Be present in hallways during passing time, at student lunch, and extra-curricular events to help build positive relationships and actively engage with students
• Assist in a continuous program of student orientation
• Assist in making recommendations for school curriculum and instructional practices, especially in the areas of student discipline and well-being
• Attend and assist when necessary with school events such as musical programs, athletics, student recognition ceremonies, graduation, and open house
• Implement policies and procedures
• Update and maintain confidential student records, including cumulative transcripts and student files
• Maintain required trainings as required by the State of Iowa, Archdiocese of Dubuque, and the local site
• Keep abreast of new information, innovative ideas and techniques
• Work effectively with community organizations
• Effectively communicate with the school administrator

These duties are not all-inclusive.  Other duties may be assigned.

JOB SCOPE:  Position encounters variations in work situations and questions.  Incumbent operates under general directions and instructions, performing with minimal supervision.

COMMUNICATION/CLIENT CONTACT: 

Contacts are normally made inside and outside the school.  Contacts frequently contain confidential/sensitive matters.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS:

Requires prolonged sitting or standing. Requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry, pull, or push heavy objects or materials. Occasional stooping, bending, and reaching.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

Employee may be required to attend an occasional evening meeting and do some close computer work. 

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described above are representative of the physical capabilities that must be met by an employee and the working conditions that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

SUPERVISES:  NA